First off, I have to say it. My t-shirt was a big hit. I was stopped by people several times throughout the day about it. Matter of fact, if I gave you a business card and you ended up here looking for the “I can go bat-shit crazy, or I can knit. Your choice.” t-shirt, visit the Spreadshirt store and get yourself one! (Rated G versions and other shirts available too!)
Now for part 1 of the rest of the story:
We (Mac & I) got up crazy early this morning, headed out the door by 6am (5am Houston time, so really early for my body clock), went to pick up Dell from her hotel, stopped off at the Dunkin’ Donuts - something we don’t have in Houston - and hit the road to head down to Maryland Sheep & Wool.
Somewhere around 8:45am, we arrived, and headed to The Fold, to get some of the infamous Socks That Rock yarn. After we stood in a long line to pick out colors, and a second long line to purchase the yarn, I sorted through all the yarns that I had taken to the line and picked out one to buy and passed the rest out to others in the first line standing by me. I was strong and resisted getting 5 skeins or something crazy like that, reminding myself that I could order it online. After getting through the line we saw Wendy for a few minutes, and discovered that there was no Koigu mill ends to be had. Unfortunately, one of the people of the Koigu team broke her foot the other day and they had to cancel their trip. Bummer, but we found other yarns to make up for it.
We then went to shop a whole bunch. We saw a lot of people - ironically, many from Texas! (I’m too tired and all the “outdoor” allergies are attacking me right now. Links & names later.) We saw more people. Animals. Crowds. Long lines and crazy tight booths. I left the Tess booth empty-handed because there was no WAY I could handle that craziness. I also left the Brooks Farm booth empty-handed, not because of the crowds so much as because Mike had told me that it was wrong to go all the way to Maryland to buy yarn that is from Texas. I also still have a stash of the Brooks Farm still waiting for me, so it was ok. I gave everything a nice loving squeeze, but my purchases stopped at lunchtime. I was rather proud of that resistance.
Then, after I spent some time bonding with Brooks Farm, we drove home. We were tired. The temperature had dropped and it was somewhat nippy. We fought a good battle, and we survived. I can now happily mark the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival off of my “things I must do someday” list. It was fun, but if you go - go early. The crowds get a bit crazy by mid-day. Bring lunch. Bring a blanket. Enjoy yourself and the people around you. It really is a good time. I have been informed that I should make sure I go to Rhinebeck too someday. I have definitely taken it under advisement.
Pictures, purchase list, links to products and links to people to come! (First, I need to go find some allergy meds and get some rest!)
20 responses so far ↓
1 Sallie // May 5, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Sounds like you had a good time. Some day I want to go, too.
FYI-We do have Dunkin Donuts in Houston. There is one right in front of where I live on 1960. I heart Dunkin Donuts.
2 Christine // May 6, 2007 at 8:00 am
I think that is the only Dunkin Donuts in Houston - it is a bit further than I normally want to drive for a donut though! Plus I love Shipley’s - it was just a nice treat to have the Dunkin here!
3 Felicia // May 7, 2007 at 3:50 am
Sounds like a wonderful day!
4 Theresa // May 7, 2007 at 9:16 am
Hey Chrisitine,
I would really LOVE to have you on my podcast. I tried to e-mail you but I can’t find your e-mail on the web page.
theresa_34 at yahoo dot com
5 Mary // May 7, 2007 at 9:50 am
Don’t know what happened to the comment I wrote shortly after you posted this (maybe I forgot to hit ’submit’?) Anyways, glad you had a great time, I knew your t-shirt would be a hit, now get back here and get another podcast out, lol!
6 chris // May 7, 2007 at 1:31 pm
It was SO good to see you at MSWF!!! I wish we’d had more time to visit, etc, but it does get a bit crazy. I had the same thing happen at Tess (it was just insane, and I had to go have a little sit-down instead), but instead I went a bit overboard at Brooks Farm . . . I think it’s hilarious that I had to go to Maryland to get local yarn (they are 20 mins away from Dallas).
And yeah, I’m already thinking ahead to next year!!
7 sprite // May 10, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Actually, as long as you don’t mind missing out on things like Socks That Rock, arriving around lunch is a fantastic plan. You get to start the day with food and can spend the afternoon browsing and shopping as everyone is heading out. I don’t really like crowds, so I always prefer to go a bit later in the day.
8 Jennifer // May 10, 2007 at 3:25 pm
It was great to meet you! I think we should all band together and show up on Brooks Farm doorstep!
9 Tammy // May 10, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Hi, I’m catching up on old podcasts and can’t get 8 to download, any ideas to share with me? Thanks so much.
10 Cindy // May 14, 2007 at 4:04 am
Hi there, I’m listening to your old ‘casts and am up to you stressing about your podcast and people putting you in boxes (episode 5?). I’m de-lurking from London, England to let you now I love your podcast, I hope you’re not beating yourself up anymore, and keep up the good work. I’ve been beating myself up a bit lately and have to keep talking to myself, too. Keep recording for us! Keep knitting!
Love from Rainy Ol’ London
Cindy
11 Jeri // May 19, 2007 at 4:12 pm
We miss you Christine. Bring back the Pointy Sticks when you can.
12 Cindy // Jun 2, 2007 at 6:30 am
You had a contest some time ago and I won a prize. I haven’t received the prize. If you sent it, please put a tracer on it. Beth hasn’t received hers either.
13 Andrea // Jun 11, 2007 at 3:59 pm
I’m just dropping to say that I haven’t heard a new podcast in a while, and I wanted to let you know that I miss hearing your podcast! I hope you get back to podcasting when you can.
14 Heather // Jul 16, 2007 at 10:37 am
Just missing the podcast and hoping you are well. Looking forward to hearing you soon!
15 cecily // Jul 18, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Hello from a new listener to your podcast…and I hope that you bring it back some time soon!
16 Erica // Jul 21, 2007 at 11:30 am
Come back! Come back! We miss you!!!!
17 Beth // Jul 26, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Just wanted to say that I miss listening to your podcast. Hope things are going well and you’ll be back soon.
18 Charles // Jul 30, 2007 at 3:40 am
HI Christine~~
I can not find your email on your site so iam going write here!
This is Charles from “Charles lifestyle and knitting” blog! I been listening your pod cast ontil now..Iam really injoyed alot!!! Listening your podcast after finshing work all my tired day so much brighter!!
I have one requist for you! I just started(maybe you know already or not) my “Knittng Video Cast” This week will be sixth episode right now! CAN YOU shout out my Knitting Video Cast for me?
Iam trying to promot my video cast…Right now i only have a two feedback!!
My Video and blog site is http://charleslifeknitting.blogspot.com/ and blog line left side!
PLEASE check it out see what you think !!
Thanks!
As greatist listener,
Charles
19 jdsahg // Jan 18, 2010 at 1:33 am
wholesale products
20 mobilier de maison // May 22, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Hi christine you seem to be very patient i am thinking about your article when you were living in germany with needles and ..
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